Minimum wage laws under threat from Bern

Wednesday, 18 June 2025 06:30

The Geneva minimum wage could be ended by Bern.

Minimum wage laws are rare in Switzerland, other than Geneva, only Neuchâtel has a lowest limit.

But the lower house of parliament, the National Council, has voted that nationally agreed labour contracts will take precedent over cantonal laws.

Across the country many workers have their pay and conditions set by an agreement which crosses cantonal lines.

Minimum wage laws could create discrepancies in those agreements.

The upper house still needs to vote – but it seems certain the issue will have to go to a referendum.

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